Luminous Landscapes: Entranced by Light in Bryce Canyon NP
You have to see the light to believe it in Bryce Canyon National Park.
It has a luminous quality to it – unlike anywhere else I have been. Perhaps it was the time of day and where I was standing but over and over again I couldn’t believe my eyes.
I was totally entranced by the light.
Rocks seemed to glow, emitting their own light. See for yourself and let me know what you think.

Unusual light at the bottom of the canyon


Even the underside of a rock glowed

Rocks on fire


Looking up from the bottom of Navajo Canyon

One reader sent this quote after getting the post which I think is very apropos - Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. Rachael Carson
For more travel inspiration check out the photos of other travel bloggers on Nancie’s Budget Travelers Sandbox website.
Have you been to Bryce Canyon National Park? Were you as entranced by the light as I was?
Other posts from the area you might enjoy:
Leigh McAdam
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About Hike Bike Travel
Avid world traveler. Craves adventure - & the odd wildly epic day. Gardener. Reader. Wine lover. Next big project - a book on 100 Canadian outdoor adventures.
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I have never been to Bryce Canyon (been to Zion), but I am entranced by these photos.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Stand up paddle surfing is a new style of adventure travel
@Ted Trust me you’d me entranced by Bryce too. I hope you get there sometime in the next few years.
I was at Bryce last year, mid afternoon and the lighting wasn’t as cool as what you got in these! Great shots.
Another place that the light can be absolutely stunning is Antelope Canyon (or any of the similar red and narrow slot canyons nearby).
@Esacaping Abroad I have seen stunning images of Antelope Canyon and agree – it’s the light in that place that makes it so interesting.
I like how the light enhances the different parts of the rock formations making them even more beautiful. We’re hoping to stop by Bryce next month on our way to a Utah ski resort. Your posts have been so inspiring!
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..5 Fun and Free Things to do in Seattle with Kids
It is still ‘on the list’ but your posts keep moving it higher up that list. There is something about the light in that part of the country that is simply mesmerizing.
Jackie Smith recently posted..Travel Tuesday: (Trip) Shopping at Costco, Part 2
@Jackie Bryce Canyon ad that whole area would make a great spring or fall destination when you have at least 3-4 days to explore. You might as well visit the Zion area too.
We’re planning a road trip starting in California either this summer or next and this will almost certainly make the itinerary. Thanks!
Average Traveller recently posted..Autopia of the Future at Hong Kong Disneyland
@Ryan At least Bryce Canyon is high so it won’t be as hot as some of the neighbouring parks. The park hits an elevation of 9000 feet which helps to keep things cool.
I remember when I published my sunrise at Bryce pictures last year that you said you’d be visiting soon. You certainly caught the breathtaking colors. Isn’t it fun to photograph? And hard to choose afterwards? Your pictures definitely glow!
Vera Marie Badertscher recently posted..Reader’s Choice: Best of Last Year’s Travel Photos
@Vera I could easily spend a few days taking photos in Bryce. Sometimes a long hike and stopping to compose a great shot don’t work as well as I’d like them too.
I’m glad that your camera did such a good job of capturing the luminous rocks. Until I got a new camera for my birthday, I was always dismayed that my old camera didn’t exactly capture what my eye was seeing. Good job on your photography skills.
Michele @ Malaysian Meanders recently posted..The Allure of Uluru (Ayers Rock)
It must have been very exciting to see the light over this amazing landscape. I’m wondering what time of day were you taking these fabulous photos.
jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..The Roman Ruins of Jerash
@Jenny Most of these photos were taken around 11 am – not even the magic hour. I’d love to be there just as the sun comes up.
Another amazing place. I love your photos

Muza-chan recently posted..Originally shaped Ema at Fushimi Inari Taisha
@Muza-chan Thanks so much!
Gosh, these photos are truly amazing. How wonderful it would have been to actually be there. I would not have wanted to leave.
budget jan recently posted..Destination Townsville – 30 Experiences to Suit your Budget
@Jan Don’t miss teh National Parks in the American southwest should you visit the southwest. They are all a delight to see.
My goodness, Leigh, this is absolutely stunning. The colors are so rich, so sharp. You’ve convinced me: I definitely need to add Bryce Canyon to my list!
InsideJourneys recently posted..The Jamaica Visitors Rarely See, II
@Marcia Yes you do really need to go. I’m sure people are getting sick of my Bryce Canyon photos but it’s hard not to share such an amazing place.
The light really is pretty cool, but there’s so many shadows. Isn’t that the kind of setting that horror movies thrive in? I know you were in a large group, but that’s how all these movies start out too. Then one by one….
Glad you made it out alive.
Steve recently posted..The People You Meet in the Elevators of Hyatt Olive 8
@Steve Not only did we make it out alive we felt great at the end of the day; I can’t even begin to describe how wonderful the glass of wine and a good meal were after 8+ hours of hiking.
I really loved Bryce Canyon when we visited. The colors are truly amazing and the formations are equally so! As usual,loved your pictures.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..European Lodging – The Choice is Yours
Thanks Debbie. I’m very glad the weather cooperated when we were there.
Leigh, I have not been here, but your photos make me want to go. It’s hard to believe how those rocks glow.
Nancie recently posted..#TPThursday — January 17th, 2013 — Hello Kitty at Your Service In Chiang Mai
@Nancie As a keen photographer you would love the place.
Beautiful shots! Bryce Canyon is on my “To Do” and “Bucket List”. Another place that has really neat lighting is the Badlands and Grand Canyon.
@Sere I’ve been to the Grand Canyon and totally agree. Looks like I need to plan a trip to the Badlands.
GORGEOUS! I love Bryce Canyon – though I was there as a child and didn’t appreciate all it’s beauty.
Please consider linking up with Friday Daydreamin’ this week – it is stunning!
Becca@R We There Yet Mom? recently posted..Friday Daydreamin’: I Need a Beach!
@Becca It’s the sort of place that I still think kids would enjoy visiting though you might need to be an adult to appreciate the change of light on canyon walls and that sort of thing.
Until recently I had never heard of Bryce Canyon and now it’s high on my list of places to visit. The photos are stunning and the quote by Rachael Carson is perfect!
Lisa recently posted..Two Walks in the Cayman Islands
@Lisa I love that quote too.
Gorgeous! I was entranced by everything about Bryce. Seems out of this world in its beauty.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..A Sweeney First: Zip-Lining in Mazatlan
@Cathy It is out of this world and I’d return in a heartbeat.
Beautiful photos! Bryce Canyon is unreal. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Laurel recently posted..Tembe Elephant Park: My TOP Travel Adventure of 2012
It’s a Utah Thing.